Creating a unique lock manufacturing hub dedicated to the global rail industry and upgrading the facilities to the world class standards synonymous with ASSA ABLOY Group's pursuit of operational excellence, are the driving factors behind the ongoing investment in Pickersgill-Kaye's Leeds site.

Pickersgill-Kaye, already enjoying record sales of its locking systems, is benefitting from a major restructuring by owner ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, to turn the Yorkshire business into a R&D facility and rail centre of excellence.

A major programme of refurbishment, including revamping the manufacturing facility, improving the work environment by creating new office space and implementing the latest design and computer technology, is nearing completion as the business looks to build on the success in its target markets.

The comprehensive renovation by ASSA ABLOY is designed to help Pickersgill-Kaye drive further opportunities in the rail sector through innovation and improved service levels for emergency override mechanisms, safety critical solutions and locking equipment.

New office areas to bring together procurement and sales, as well as labs for designing and engineering the products of the future, are providing a world-class working environment that matches Pickersgill-Kaye's renowned rail locking products.

Operations Director Martyn Unitt, said: "Significant investment by ASSA ABLOY has put a new infrastructure in place at Pickersgill-Kaye. The changes are creating a modern, efficient and dynamic working environment for staff that will help the business remain at the forefront of developing locks for the rail sector. Feedback from our blue-chip customers who have visited the site has already been very positive."

Train building is booming in the UK - its worth around £10billion to the economy according to the Rail Delivery Group - with some operators now recommending Pickersgill-Kaye's locks to the train manufacturers in order to achieve the 'gold' standards they need.

Work on the site is scheduled for completion in 2018, creating the right conditions not only for the workforce to develop the locking systems for the trains of the future, but also enhances Pickersgill-Kaye's capability to support legacy rolling stock on the UK's rail network - often retro-fitting problematic locks originally supplied by competitors.

Pickersgill-Kaye is a major supplier of high quality, robust locking products and safety critical solutions to train builders such as Hitachi Rail Europe, Bombardier and DB Cargo, to name but a few. Upgrading the Leeds manufacturing site will enable the company to keep pace with increasing demand for its products.

With over 150 years' experience supplying the rail industry with door locks, Pickersgill-Kaye's manufacturing flexibility and commitment, now with the considerable support of ASSA ABLOY, will help the company to win further orders for high profile projects against often tough overseas competition.